NTN SatCom

NTN SatCom encompasses communication methods that make use of Terrestrial networks such as cell towers, and also Non-Terrestrial communication ability through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

This dual-mode or combination of connectivity options is known by multiple names with NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) being the primary. Direct-To-Device (D2D), Direct-To-Cell (D2C), Satellite IoT, cellular satcom and many more.

NTN SatCom is the combination of Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) in a single antenna. The single antenna is able to provide terrestrial coverage via cell towers and other ground-based networks, at the same time providing L-Band or S-Band connectivity with Low Eart Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Dual-mode connectivity refers to a single antenna that can service both Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks. The antenna provide ground-based connectivity primarily through cellular but may also include other protocols such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, GNSS etc. The Non-Terrestrial connectivity is provided by L-band or S-Band connectivity with Low Eart Orbit (LEO) satellites.

D2D (Direct-to-Device) and D2C (Direct-to-Cell) are terms used in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite communications. Both refer to connectivity enabled by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, allowing direct communication between satellites and user devices. D2D broadly covers direct connections to various devices, while D2C more specifically refers to direct connectivity to cellular/mobile devices.

Satellite IoT is a more general term that refers to the combination of satellite communications and IoT Connectivity. This can be as simple as an IoT device that has a GNSS antenna to provide tracking and location services. Or, as complex as a device that makes use of multiple protocols such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) etc. from a single device.

L-Band is a satellite frequency band between 1-2 GHz whereas S-Band is a satellite frequency bandbetween 2-4 GHz.

The frequency band you will need depends on a number of factors including region, satellite operator you wish to communicate with, data rate requirements and many more. TE Connectivity will not be able to advise on these factors but may be able to answer questions that will narrow your search.

RSRP is a key metric for measuring the signal power and quality in cellular, LTE and 5G frequencies. An RSRP value of -120 dBm is generally the recognized minimum requirement suitablefor the data rates of SMS, CAT-1, CAT-1 Bis connectivity

Dual-mode capable - Supporting TN and NTN from a single antenna:

• TN – Two-way 5G/4G/LTE cellular coverage using existing cell tower and other cellular infrastructure
• NTN – Two-way communications directly with LEO satellites using LTE frequency bands

Enabling dual-mode communications via IoT devices:

•  Prioritizing terrestrial networks but capable of automatically switching to satellite when the signal is weak or unavailable
• Satellite communications can also be set as the primary communication mode in areas where no cellular coverage is available using an appropriate cellular router, gateway, or radio
  

Connectivity in L and S frequency bands